Method for positioning a split ring over an enlarged flange

ABSTRACT

A method for using a positioning apparatus having a cylindrical shaft including a retaining shaft, an expansion shaft, and a frustoconical transition shaft extending therebetween. The expansion shaft has a recess sized to receive a flange radially extending outward on an elongated member. The shaft is configured to be received within a housing having a passageway extending therethrough. The passageway is defined by an interior surface which includes a cylindrical first surface positioned at the top of the housing. The first surface has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the split ring. The interior surface also includes a frustoconical constriction surface positioned at the bottom end of the housing. The housing raises and lowers relative to the shaft for positioning the split ring onto the elongated body under the force of a weight.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to methods for positioning a split ringand, more specifically, to methods for positioning a split ring over anenlarged flange on an elongated body.

2. The Relevant Technology

A split ring generally defines a flat cylindrical ring having a passageextending through the middle of the ring and a split or slit extendingthrough the side of the ring. That is, a split extends from the passagein the ring to the outside of the ring. Split rings are commonly usedwith bolts or other elongated members to act as washers, spacers,bushings, or to perform some other similar function.

The advantage of a split ring over a conventional solid ring is that asplit ring can either be received onto or removed from an elongatedmember that is not accessible from either opposing end. For example,ends of an elongated member may be permanently secured to a structure,or the elongated member may have a nut, flange, or other structureradially extending out from the elongate member. If the flange orsimilar structure has an outside diameter larger than the inner diameterof the passage through a conventional solid ring, it would be difficultif not impossible to position the solid ring on the opposing side of theflange.

In contrast, by separating the split ring at the point of the split, thepassage through the split ring can be enlarged. The end of the elongatedmember can then be inserted through the enlarged passage so that theflange or other enlarged structure on the elongated member can passthrough the enlarged passage. The split ring can then be compressedclosed to secure the split ring around the elongated member.

One of the problems encountered with the use of split rings, however, isthat they can be difficult to position. Positioning is typicallyaccomplished by manually separating and positioning the split ring. Thisprocess is slow and often difficult when using small split rings. Theproblem is further compounded in mass production manufacturing processeswhere it is desirable to quickly and accurately position a split ring.

In some situations, a housing is placed over the split ring after thesplit ring is in position. Depending on the tolerance between thehousing and the split ring, it may be necessary to insure that the splitring has substantially its original configuration after the split ringis positioned on the elongated member. One of the problems with manuallypositioning the split rings is that excessive deformation may occurduring positioning. Such deformation can make it difficult to positionthe housing over the split ring. Furthermore, it is difficult tomanually reconfigure the split ring back to its original configuration.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide methodsfor positioning a split ring on an elongated member.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide methods forpositioning a split ring over an enlarged flange and on an elongatedmember.

Another object of the present invention is to provide methods as abovewherein the split ring is positioned accurately and quickly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide methods asabove wherein the split ring is not excessively deformed during thepositioning process.

Finally, another object of the present invention is to provide methodsas above wherein the split ring is substantially conformed back into itsoriginal configuration after being positioned.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance with the inventionas embodied and broadly described herein, a positioning apparatus isprovided for mechanically advancing a split ring over a retaining flangeand onto an elongated body. The retaining flange has an outer diameterlarger than the inner diameter of the passage through the split ring.

The positioning apparatus comprises a ridged substantially cylindricalshaft including a retaining shaft, an expansion shaft, and afrustoconical transition shaft. The retaining shaft has an exteriorsurface with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of thesplit ring. The expansion shaft has an outer diameter larger than theinner diameter of the split ring. The expansion shaft also has aninterior surface defining a recess sized to receive the retaining flangeon the body. The frustoconical transition shaft extends between theretaining shaft and the expansion shaft.

The positioning apparatus also includes a housing having a top end, abottom end, and an interior surface defining a passageway extendingtherebetween. The interior surface of the housing in part defines asubstantially cylindrical first surface positioned at the top end of thehousing. The first surface has an inner diameter approximately equal tothe outer diameter of the split ring.

The interior surface of the housing also defines a frustoconicalconstriction surface positioned at the bottom end of the housing. Theconstriction surface has an enlarged first end positioned adjacent tothe first surface. The first end has an inner diameter larger than theinner diameter of the first surface. The constriction surface also has areduced second end opposite the first end. The second end has an innerdiameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first end andsubstantially equal to the outer diameter of the split ring. An annularshoulder extends between the first end of the constriction surface andthe first surface.

The present invention also provides means for urging the split ringreceived on the retaining shaft against the transition shaft. Such meanscan include a weight or other type of mechanical force pressing thesplit ring towards the transition shaft.

In the initial position, the split ring is received on the retainingflange which is positioned within the passageway defined by the firstsurface. A weight or other means pushes the split ring against thetransition shaft, causing the split ring to radially press against thefirst surface.

Next, the housing is moved relative to the shaft in a first directionuntil the split ring exits the passageway defined by the first surfaceand enters the first end of the constriction surface. The force of theweight causes the split ring to radially, outwardly expand so that thesplit ring is aligned with the annular shoulder.

The flange on the elongated body is then received within the recess onthe expansion shaft. Once so positioned, the housing is moved relativeto the shaft in a second direction causing the shoulder to press thesplit ring over the expansion shaft, the flange being received therein,and onto the elongated body.

Finally, the housing is again moved in the first direction, therebycausing the constriction surface to compress the split ring around theelongated body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto a specific embodiment thereof which is illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only a typicalembodiment of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to belimiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adapter having a rotatable connectorand a valve assembly and used for introducing a catheter into thecardiovascular system of a patient;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the adapter in FIG. 1 havingthe rotatable connector and valve assembly in a partially disassembledcondition;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shownin FIG. 2 in a disassembled condition;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 3in an assembled condition;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 4and showing a seal positioned therein being compressed so as to seal thevalve assembly;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 5with the seal compressing and sealing around a catheter disposedtherethrough;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly shown in FIG. 5without the use of a slip ring positioned adjacent to the seal;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the rotatable connectorshown in FIG. 2 in a disassembled condition;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable connector shown inFIG. 6 in a first stage of assembly;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable connector of FIG. 6 ina second stage of assembly;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the rotatable connector of FIG. 6 ina fully assembled condition;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a positioning apparatus used for attaching aslip ring onto the distal end of the adapter, as shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the positioningapparatus in a first stage for positioning a split ring on the distalend of the adapter;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the positioningapparatus having the split ring positioned proximal of the flange on thedistal end of the adapter;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the positioning apparatuscompressing the split ring around the distal end of the adapter andproximal to the flange; and

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the positioning apparatus havingthe split ring securely positioned on the distal end of the adapter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, a patient 10 is shown having an introducer 12 witha distal end (not shown) in fluid communication with the cardiovascularsystem of patient 10. A proximal end 14 of introducer 12 projectsoutside the body of patient 10 and is connected to one embodiment of anadapter 16 incorporating features of the present invention. Adapter 16comprises a tubular body 18 having an exterior surface 19 with a distalend 20 and a proximal end 24 positioned at opposing ends thereof. Arotatable connector 22 is positioned at distal end 20. Rotatableconnector 22 is shown in FIG. 1 as providing a fluid coupling betweenintroducer 12 and tubular body 18.

Positioned at proximal end 24 is a valve assembly 26. As will bediscussed later in greater detail, valve assembly 26 can be used toachieve alternative objectives. In one position, valve assembly 26 canbe used to completely block off proximal end 24 of tubular body 18 so asto prevent the escape of blood or other bodily fluids flowing frompatient 10, through introducer 12, and into adapter 16. Alternatively,valve assembly 26 can be used to form a seal around an elongated member28, such as a catheter or guidewire, when elongated member 28 isreceived within valve assembly 26 and passed through tubular body 18,introducer 12, and into the cardiovascular system of patient 10. Valveassembly 26 thus also prevents the backflow of bodily fluids fromintroducer 12 from leaking out of adapter 16 where elongated member 28is received within valve assembly 26.

Adapter 16 further comprises a supplemental access tube 30 in fluidcommunication with tubular body 18 between proximal end 24 and distalend 20. Supplemental access tube 30 is shown in fluid communication witha catheter 32 by way of a connector 34. In alternative embodiments,adapter 16 can have a plurality of supplemental access tubescommunicating with tubular body 18. Supplemental access tube 30 can beused for introducing fluids or other medical devices into the body ofpatient 10.

Depicted in FIG. 2 is a partially exploded or disassembled view ofadapter 16. As disclosed therein, access tube 30 comprises an exteriorsurface 39 and an interior surface 36 defining a channel 38longitudinally extending therethrough. Access tube 30 is attached influid communication at distal end 40 thereof to tubular body 18.Opposite distal end 40 is a free proximal end 42 having threads 44positioned thereat. Threads 44 are preferably configured to accommodatea conventional luer lock attachment.

Access tube 30 is preferably positioned at an angle so as to projecttowards proximal end 24 of tubular body 18. A support member 46 extendsbetween exterior surface 19 of tubular body 18 and exterior surface 39of access tube 30. Support member 46 rigidly positions access tube 30and helps to prevent fracture or breaking of access tube 30.

Valve assembly 26 is depicted in FIG. 2 as further comprising a rotationnut 48, a slip ring 50, and a tubular seal 52. The configuration andinterrelationship of these components are more clearly shown in FIG. 3which discloses a cross-sectional exploded view of valve assembly 26. Asdepicted in FIG. 3, tubular body 18 has an interior surface 54 defininga passage 56 longitudinally extending through body 18. At proximal end24, passage 56 is shown as comprising a compression chamber 58positioned at a proximal terminus 59 of body 18. Compression chamber 58has an inner diameter defined by an interior surface 60 extendingbetween a distal end 62 and a proximal end 64.

Passage 56 further comprises a lumen 66 communicating at a proximal end68 thereof to distal end 62 of compression chamber 58. Lumen 66 isconcentric with compression chamber 58 and has an interior surface 70having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of compressionchamber 58. Lumen 66 and compression chamber 58 are preferablysubstantially cylindrical.

An annular shoulder 72 extends between proximal end 68 of lumen 66 anddistal end 62 of compression chamber 58. An annular first ridge 74proximally projects from annular shoulder 72 and adjacently encircleslumen 66. First ridge 74 comprises an annular end face 76 and an annularsidewall 78. First ridge 74 has an outer diameter smaller than the innerdiameter of compression chamber 58. As such, an annular first receivinggroove 80 is formed between sidewall 78 of first ridge 74 and interiorsurface 60 of compression chamber 58.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 2, exterior surface 19 of tubular body 18includes a substantially cylindrical section 51 surrounding lumen 66 anda substantially rectangular casing 53 surrounding compression chamber58. The configuration of rectangular casing 53 is to provide flatsurfaces that enable medical personnel to clamp or use other mechanicalmeans for holding adapter 16. Of course, rectangular casing 53 could befashioned in alternative polygonal or circular cross-sectionalconfigurations.

Returning again to FIG. 3, encircling body 18 at proximal end 24 andradially extending outward therefrom is a first compression lip 55.First compression lip 55 has an outer diameter and will be discussedlater in greater detail. Positioned proximal of first compression lip 55and also encircling body 18 are first engagement threads 57 which willalso be discussed later in greater detail.

Tubular seal 52 is configured to mate within compression chamber 58.Tubular seal 52 has an exterior surface 82 extending between a proximalend 83 having a proximal end face 84 and a distal end 85 having a distalend face 86. Exterior surface 82 has an outer diameter approximatelyequal to the inner diameter of compression chamber 58 such that tubularseal 52 is received within compression chamber 58.

Seal 52 also has an interior surface 88 defining a passageway 90longitudinally extending therethrough and axially aligned with lumen 66.An annular first tongue 92 distally projects from distal end face 86 andencircles passageway 90. First tongue 92 has an annular distal end face94 and an annular interior sidewall 96. Interior sidewall 96 defines afirst recess 98 concentric with passageway 90 and having an innerdiameter greater than the inner diameter of passageway 90. As depictedin FIG. 4, which is an assembled view of the elements in FIG. 3, seal 52is configured such that as seal 52 is mated within compression chamber58, first tongue 92 is received within first receiving groove 80 andfirst ridge 74 is received within first recess 98.

Referring again to FIG. 3, an annular second tongue 100 proximallyprojects from proximal end face 84 of seal 52 and encircles passageway90. Second tongue 100 comprises an annular proximal end face 102 and anannular interior sidewall 104. Interior sidewall 104 defines a secondrecess 106 concentric with passage 90 of seal 52 and having an innerdiameter greater than the inner diameter of passage 90.

Slip ring 50 is depicted in FIG. 3 as having an interior surface 107defining an opening 109 longitudinally extending through slip ring 50and axially aligned with lumen 66. Slip ring 50 comprises a first ring108 having an exterior surface 110 with an outer diameter and aninterior surface 112 defining a first access 114. Proximally attached tofirst ring 108 is an annular second ring 115. Second ring 115 has anexterior surface 116 with an outer diameter greater than the outerdiameter of first ring 108 and an interior surface 118 defining a secondaccess 120. Second access 120 has an inner diameter greater than theinner diameter of first access 114. Second access 120 is concentric withfirst access 114 and communicates therewith to define opening 109.

As again shown in FIG. 4, slip ring 50 is configured such that in anassembled condition first ring 50 is received within second recess 106of seal 52 while second tongue 100 of seal 52 encircles first ring 108.

As shown in FIG. 3, rotation nut 48 has a substantially cylindricalconfiguration and includes a housing 122 with a distal end 124 and anopposing proximal end 126. A proximal end wall 128 radially extendsinward at proximal end 126. Housing 122 has an exterior surface 127comprising a first cylindrical portion 129 positioned at distal end 124.A plurality of gripping ribs 131 radially extend outward on firstcylindrical portion 129 and are aligned with the longitudinal access ofbody 18. Exterior surface 127 further comprises a second cylindricalportion 133 positioned at proximal end 126 of housing 122 and having anouter diameter greater than the outer diameter of first cylindricalportion 129. A plurality of gripping ribs 135 also radially outwardlyextend on second cylindrical portion 133 and are aligned withlongitudinal access of body 18.

Housing 122 also has an interior surface 130 defining a recessed chamber132 opened at distal end 124. An annular second compression lip 137radially, inwardly extends from interior surface 130 and has an innerdiameter slightly smaller than the outer diameter of first compressionring 55. Positioned proximal of second compression ring 137 on interiorsurface 130 are second engagement threads 134 configured for rotational,threaded engagement with first engagement threads 57 on proximal end 24of body 18.

Rotation nut 48 further comprises a tubular shaft 136 distallyprojecting from proximal end wall 128 within recess chamber 132 ofhousing 122. Shaft 136 extends to a distal end 145 having a distal endface 146. Shaft 136 also has an exterior surface 138 having an outerdiameter and an interior surface 140 defining an entryway 142longitudinally extending through shaft 136 and proximal end wall 128.Interior surface 140 radially outwardly expands at proximal end 126 ofhousing 122 to form an enlarged receiving mouth 144.

An annular second ridge 148 distally projects from distal end face 146of shaft 136 and encircles entryway 142 extending through shaft 136.Second ridge 148 is defined by an annular distal end face 150 and anannular outer sidewall 152. Outer sidewall 152 has an outer diametersmaller than the inner diameter of compression chamber 58. Accordingly,a second receiving groove 149 is formed between outside wall 152 ofsecond ridge 148 and interior surface 60 of compression chamber 58 whenshaft 136 is received within compression chamber 58.

In the assembled condition, as shown in FIG. 4, rotation nut 48 isconfigured so that shaft 136 can be received within compression chamber58 while, simultaneously, proximal end 24 of body 18 is received withinrecess chamber 132 of rotation nut 48. As shaft 136 is advanced withincompression chamber 58, first compression lip 55 having an outerdiameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of second compressionlip 137 becomes biased against second compression lip 137. As additionalforce is applied, second compression lip 137 and distal end 124 radiallyoutwardly expand to allow first compression lip 55 to pass throughsecond compression lip 137. Once this is accomplished, secondcompression lip 137 returns to its original configuration behind firstcompression lip 55, thereby holding proximal end 24 of body 18 withinrecess 132 of rotation nut 48. In this position, first engagementthreads 57 on proximal end 24 of body 18 are biased against secondengagement threads 134 positioned on interior surface 130 of housing122. First engagement threads are configured to complementarily engagesecond engagement threads 134 when rotation nut 48 is rotated relativeto body 18. The rotational engagement between first engagement threads57 and second engagement threads 134 causes shaft 136 to advance withincompression chamber 58.

Furthermore, as shaft 136 is advanced within compression chamber 58,distal end 145 of shaft 136 is mated with second ring 115 of slip ring50. More specifically, annular second ridge 148 at distal end 145 ofshaft 136 is received within second access 120 of slip ring 50 andsecond ring 115 of slip ring 50 is received within second receivinggroove 149 of shaft 136. In the position as shown in FIG. 4, lumen 66 inbody 18, passageway 90 in seal 52, opening 109 in slip ring 50, andentryway 142 in shaft 136 are each axially aligned and communicatingwith each other to allow passage 56 to extend therethrough.

To block off passage 56, rotation nut 48 is rotated relative to body 18causing shaft 136 to advance within compression chamber 58 as a resultof the engagement between first engagement threads 57 and secondengagement threads 134. As shaft 136 advances, seal 52 is compressedbetween shoulder 72 of body 18 and slip ring 50. The compression of seal52 causes interior surface 88 of seal 52 to radially project inward,thereby constricting passageway 90 extending through seal 52. Asdepicted in FIG. 5, shaft 136 continues to advance until interiorsurface 88 of seal 52 presses together completely closing and sealingpassageway 90 through seal 52. Simultaneously, seal 52 radially,outwardly compresses against interior surface 60 of compression chamber50 so as to form a seal therebetween. In this position, a distal portion154 slightly extends within lumen 66 while a proximal portion 156slightly projects within opening 109 of slip ring 50.

In an alternative use, as shown in FIG. 5A, an elongated member 28, suchas a catheter or guidewire, can be longitudinally disposed throughpassage 56 for insertion within the cardiovascular system of a patient,as discussed with regard to FIG. 1. When elongated member 28 is so used,shaft 136 can be selectively advanced within compression chamber 58until interior surface 88 of seal 52 constricts to press and seal aroundan exterior surface 29 of elongated member 28. By selectively advancingor retracting shaft 136, the amount of pressure applied by seal 52 onelongated member 28 can be selectively controlled. As such, elongatedmember 28 can be advanced or retracted within passage 56 whilemaintaining a seal around elongated member 28 that prevents leakage ofblood or other fluids back flowing through lumen 66.

Seal 52 is preferably made from a deformable, resilient material whichallows seal 52 to compress and either independently seal or seal arounda member positioned therethrough. The material should also enable seal52 to independently conform back to its original configuration as shaft136 is retracted from compression chamber 58. The preferred material forseal 52 is silicone, however, other kinds of conventional rubbers canalso be used.

The function of slip ring 50 is to prevent the twisting of seal 52 asshaft 136 is advanced within compression chamber 58. That is, as shaft136 is advanced during annular rotation, distal end face 146 of shaft136 slips against slip ring 50, thereby preventing transfer of thisannular rotation to seal 52 which could twist seal 52. Twisting of seal52 can cause seal 52 to apply a counter rotating force to shaft 136which, if sufficient, can independently back-off or unscrew shaft 136from within compression chamber 58, thereby opening seal 52 and possiblycausing fluid leakage thereat.

To help insure rotational slippage between shaft 136 and slip ring 50,slip ring 50 is preferably made from a relatively rigid material havinga relatively low coefficient of friction such aspolytetrafluoroethylene, more commonly known as Teflon®. To assist inrotational slipping between shaft 136 and slip ring 50, and to provide asmoother interaction between the components within valve assembly 26, asmall quantity of oil or other lubricant, such as a medical gradesilicone oil, can be used to lubricate the interactive components ofvalve assembly 26. Seal 52, and more specifically interior surface 88 ofseal 52, is also preferably coated with an oil. The oil helps preventinterior surface 88 of seal 52 from sticking together as shaft 136 isretracted from within compression chamber 58 to open passageway 90through seal 52.

In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, valve assembly 26 canbe configured without the use of slip ring 50. In this embodiment,annular second ridge 148 on shaft 136 is received within second recess106 of seal 52 while simultaneously annular second tongue 100 isreceived within second receiving groove 149 on shaft 136. In thisembodiment, however, it is preferred that shaft 136 and seal 52 have arelationship which permits shaft 136 to advance under rotation withouttwisting or rotating seal 52. This can be accomplished by either theaddition of lubricants or by forming seal 52 out of a material having arelatively low coefficient of friction.

In preferred embodiment, body 18 and rotation nut 48 are preferablymolded from a clear polycarbonate plastic. Such a material allows foreasy molding, moderate flexibility, and visualizing of the internalcomponents and operation of adapter 16. Of course, alternative types ofconventional plastics can also be used.

In one embodiment of the present invention, means are provided forcoupling shaft 136 to body 18 and for selectively advancing shaft 136into compression chamber 58 so as to compress and deform seal 52 withincompression chamber 58. By way of example and not by limitation, themeans for coupling and advancing includes first engagement threads 57positioned on exterior surface 19 at proximal end 24 of body 18 andsecond engagement threads 134 positioned on interior surface 130 ofhousing 122. As previously discussed with regard to FIGS. 3-5, as shaft136 is advanced within compression chamber 58, rotational engagementbetween first engagement threads 57 and second engagement threads 134couples shaft 136 to body 18. Furthermore, rotation of shaft 136relative to body 18 causes shaft 136 to advance within compressionchamber 58 to compress and deform seal 52 within compression chamber 58.

Of course, the present invention also envisions using all othercomparable configurations or alternative types of coupling andadvancing. By way of example and not by limitation, first engagementthreads 57 could be positioned on interior surface 60 of compressionchamber 58 while second engagement threads 134 are complementarilypositioned on exterior surface 138 of shaft 136 for coupling andadvancing shaft 136 within compression chamber 58. Alternatively,complementary sets of barbs or ridges could replace first engagementthreads 57 and second engagement threads 134. As shaft 136 is advancedwithin compression chamber 58, the complementary sets of barbs or ridgescan mechanically interact to couple shaft 136 to body 18.

The present invention also provides means for interlocking distal end 85of seal 52 with annular shoulder 72 of body 18. The interlocking is usedto prevent seal 52 from becoming displaced or misoriented withincompression chamber 58. More specifically, the interlocking is used toprevent seal 52 from sticking within lumen 66 after seal 52 iscompressed within compression chamber 58. By way of example and not bylimitation and as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 3-5, the abovemeans for interlocking distal end 85 of seal 52 comprises annular firstridge 74 projecting from shoulder 72 of body 18 to form first receivinggroove 80 positioned between first ridge 74 and interior surface 62 ofcompression chamber 58. The above interlocking means also comprisesannular first tongue 92 distally projecting from distal end face 86 ofseal 52 and defining first recess 98.

As discussed with regard to FIG. 4, as seal 52 is received withincompression chamber 58, first tongue 92 is received within firstreceiving groove 80 and annular first ridge 74 is received within firstrecess 98. In this configuration, distal end 85 of seal 52 isinterlocked with shoulder 72 since, during compression of seal 52, firsttongue 92 is held within first receiving groove 80 and prevented byfirst ridge 74 from slipping or flowing into lumen 66. Use of thisinterlocking configuration significantly prevents seal 52 from stickingwithin lumen 66 after seal 52 has been compressed within compressionchamber 58.

Of course, the present invention also envisions all equivalentconfigurations for interlocking distal end 85 of seal 52 with shoulder72. By way of example and not by limitation, in contrast to first tongue92 having an annular configuration, first tongue 92 could comprise oneor more individual fingers distally projecting from proximal end face 86of seal 52. Likewise, annular first receiving groove 80 could beconfigured to correspond to one or more individual receiving slots forreceiving the individual fingers.

The present invention also provides means for interlocking proximal end83 of seal 52 with distal end 145 of shaft 136. The interlocking is usedto prevent displacement or misalignment of seal 52 within compressionchamber 58. More specifically, the interlocking is used to prevent seal52 from sticking within entryway 142 of shaft 136 after seal 52 iscompressed within compression chamber 58. As discussed with regard toFIGS. 3 and 4, the means for interlocking proximal end 83 of seal 52includes annular second tongue 100 proximally projecting from proximalend face 84 of seal 52 and defining second recess 106. The interlockingmeans further includes annular second ridge 148 distally projecting fromdistal end face 146 of shaft 136 and defining second receiving groove149.

As discussed with regard to FIG. 5B, second ridge 148 can be receivedwithin second recess 106 and annular second tongue 100 can be receivedwithin second receiving groove 149. In this configuration, proximal end83 of seal 52 is interlocked with distal end 145 of shaft 136 since,during compression of seal 52, second tongue 100 is held within secondreceiving groove 149 and prevented by second ridge 148 from slipping orflowing into entryway 142.

The means for interlocking proximal end 83 of seal 52 can likewise havethe same alternative configurations as discussed with the means forinterlocking distal end 85 of seal 52. For example, second tongue 100can comprise one or more individual fingers proximally projecting fromproximal end face 84 of seal 52.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the means for interlockingproximal end 83 of seal 52 can include slip ring 50 being positionedbetween seal 52 and shaft 136 as discussed with regard to FIGS. 4 and 5.In this embodiment, second ridge 148 is received within second access120 of slip ring 50 and first ring 108 of slip ring 50 is receivedwithin second recess 106 of seal 52, thereby interlocking proximal end83 of seal 52 with distal end 145 of shaft 136 through slip ring 50.This configuration also prevents second tongue 100 from entering withinentryway 142 which could result in seal 52 sticking within entryway 142of shaft 136 after compression of seal 52 within compression chamber 58.

The present invention also provides means for selectively closing lumen66 at proximal end 24 of tubular body 18. By way of example and not bylimitation, the means for selectively closing includes valve assembly26, as discussed above, and includes all of the related alternativeembodiments as also discussed above.

The present invention also provides means for selectively closing lumen66 at proximal end 24 of tubular body 18. By way of example and not bylimitation, the means for selectively closing includes valve assembly 26as discussed above and includes each of its alternative embodiments.

Referring again to FIG. 2, rotatable connector 22 positioned at distalend 20 of body 18 is shown in a partial disassembled configuration. Asdisclosed therein, rotatable connector 22 comprises a retaining flange158 encircling and radially extending outward from proximal end 20 ofbody 18. Rotatable connector 22 also includes an annular cap 160rotatably encircling body 18 proximal of flange 158 and a split ring 162rotatably encircling body 18 between flange 158 and cap 160. Rotatableconnector 22 further comprises a tubular hub 164. The configuration andpositioning of the elements of rotatable connector 22 are better shownin FIG. 6 which discloses a cross-sectional fully exploded view ofrotatable connector 22.

As disclosed in FIG. 6, retaining flange 158 comprises and annularproximal flange 166 encircling and radially extending outward on distalend 20 of body 18. Proximal flange 166 comprises an annular proximalside wail 168, an annular distal side wail 170, and an annular outersurface 172. Retaining flange 158 further comprises an annular distalflange 174 encircling and radially extending outward from said distalend 20 of body 18. Distal flange 174 is shown as having an annularproximal side wail 176, an annular distal side wall 178, and an annularouter surface 180. Positioned between proximal flange 166 and distalflange 174 is a cylindrical section 175 having a reduced outer diameter.Of course, in the alternative embodiment retaining flange 158 can bemade having a uniform outer diameter along its length. Distallyprojecting from distal sidewall 178 of distal flange 158 is an annularridge 182 encircling body 18. Also distally projecting from distalsidewall 178 of distal flange 174 is a cylindrical stem 184 adjacentlyencircling passage 56 extending through body 18. Stem 18 has an exteriorsurface 186 and terminates at a distal terminus 188.

Annular cap 160 is shown in FIG. 6 as comprising an annular sleeve 190having a proximal end 192 and an opposing distal end 194. Sleeve 190also has an interior surface 196 having an inner diameter and defining arecess 198. An annular end wall 200 radially extends inward frominterior surface 196 of sleeve 190 at a proximal end 192 thereof todefine an aperture 202. Aperture 202 has an inner diameter greater thanthe outer diameter of both proximal flange 166 and distal flange 174.Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, distal end 20 of body 18 can bereceived within aperture 202 of cap 160 so that cap 160 can rotatablyencircle body 18 proximal of retaining flange 158.

Referring again to FIG. 6, split ring 162 is shown as comprising anannular proximal end face 204, an annular distal face 206, and anannular outer surface 208 having an outer diameter. Split ring 162further comprises an interior surface 210 defining an opening 212 havingan inner diameter and longitudinally extending therethrough. Split ring162 is further shown as having a first end 214 adjacent to a second end216 which define a slit 218. Slit 218 extends between distal end face206 and proximal end face 204 of split ring 162. Opening 212 throughsplit ring 162 has an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter ofproximal flange 166. However, as a result of slit 218, split ring 162 iscapable of radially expanding to enable distal end 20 of body 18 to bereceived within opening 212 so that split ring 162 can rotatablyencircle body 18 between proximal flange 166 and cap 160, as shown inFIG. 7. As used in the specification and the appended claims, referenceto the "outer diameter" of split ring 162 and the "inner diameter" ofopening 212 through split ring 162 refer to dimensions of split ring 162in an unexpanded condition. Of course, such dimensions increase as splitring 218 expands as a result of the separation of first end 214 andsecond end 216.

Tubular hub 164 is disclosed in FIG. 6 as having a proximal end 220, adistal end 222, and an exterior surface 224 with an outer diameterextending therebetween. Hub 164 further includes an interior surface 226defining a passageway 228 longitudinally extending therethrough.Passageway 228 is shown in FIG. 6 as comprising an access chamber 230positioned at proximal end 220 of hub 164. Access chamber 230 is definedby an interior surface 232 extending from a proximal end 234 to a distalend 236 of access chamber 230.

Access chamber 230 is further defined as comprising a transition bore238, an entrance bore 240, and a sealing bore 242. Transition bore 238is defined by cylindrical interior surface 239 that extends between aproximal end 244 and a distal end 246. Entrance bore 242 has an innerdiameter greater than the inner diameter of transition bore 238 and isdefined by cylindrical interior surface 243 that extends from a proximalterminus 241 of hub 164 to proximal end 244 of transition bore 238. Anannular shoulder 248 extends between proximal end 244 of transition bore238 and entrance bore 240. Sealing bore 242 has an inner diametersmaller than the inner diameter of transition bore 238 and is defined bycylindrical interior surface 245 that extends from distal end 246 oftransition bore 238 to distal end 236 of access chamber 230.

In addition to access chamber 230, passageway 228 also includes atransfer duct 250 having a proximal end 252 concentric with distal end236 of access chamber 230. Transfer duct 250 is defined by an interiorsurface 254 having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter ofaccess chamber 230. As such, a shoulder 256 extends between proximal end252 of transition duct 250 and distal end 236 of access chamber 230.

Distal end 222 of hub 164 is also shown as having an interior surface258 defining a receiving slot 260 and having a set of engagement threads262 positioned thereon. Engagement threads 262 are preferably configuredfor a conventional luer lock attachment. However, alternative types ofthreads can also be used. Distally projecting from shoulder 256 withinhub 164 is a tubular stem 264 having interior surface 254 with transferduct 250 extending therethrough as previously discussed.

A seal ring 266 is shown in FIG. 6 for positioning within receiving slot260 proximal of engagement threads 262. As shown in FIG. 7, seal ring266 can then be used for sealing a corresponding connector (not shown)threadedly engaged with engagement threads 262.

In a similar fashion, FIG. 6 also discloses a seal ring 268 having anexterior surface 269 configured to be biased against shoulder 248 andencircling transfer duct 250. As shown in FIG. 6, shoulder 248 includesan annular mouth 270 encircling transfer duct 250 and positionedadjacent thereto. Shoulder 248 further includes a grooved face 272positioned between annual mouth 270 and interior surface 232 of accesschamber 230. Grooved face 272 has a configuration complimentary toexterior surface 269 of seal ring 268 so as to produce a complementaryfit therebetween as shown in FIG. 7.

As shown in FIGS. 7-9, assembly of rotatable connector 22 is amulti-step process. In the first step as shown in FIG. 7, split ring 162and cap 160 are positioned to rotatably encircle body 18 proximal ofretaining flange 158 as previously discussed. Likewise, seal ring 268 ispositioned within access chamber 230 so as to be biased against groovedface 272 of shoulder 248. In this position, distal end 20 of body 18 isadvanced within access chamber 230, until distal sidewall 178 of distalflange 174 is biased against seal ring 268.

As shown in FIG. 8, distal end 20 of body 18 is preferably configured tomate with access chamber 230 so as to produce an airless seal betweentransfer duct 250 in hub 164 and passage 56 in body 18. To this end,distal flange 174 is sized to snugly be received within sealing bore 142and distal stem 184 is sized to snugly be received within seal 268. Asdistal sidewall 178 of distal flange 174 compresses against seal ring268, seal ring 268 deforms to fill all surrounding space and in so doingpresses the air therefrom. In the final position, distal terminus 188 ofdistal stem 184 is biased against annular mouth 270 of shoulder 248,thereby completely bounding seal ring 268 in a substantially airlessenclosure. As a result of forming an airless seal between transfer duct250 in hub 164 and passage 56 in body 18, the chance of air bubblesentering the blood stream at the point of the airless seal is decreased.

FIG. 8 also discloses split ring 162 being received within entrance bore240 so that distal end face 206 of split ring 162 is biased againstproximal sidewall 168 of proximal flange 166. This configuration urgesdistal sidewall 178 of distal flange 174 against seal ring 268, therebymaintaining the airless seal discussed above.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, cap 160 has an inner diameter larger than theouter diameter of hub 164. Accordingly, as cap 160 and hub 164 arepressed together, proximal end 220 of hub 164 is received within recess198 of cap 160. Furthermore, split ring 162 is shown positioned so as tohave an exposed portion 271 proximally projecting from entrance bore 240of hub 164 and a gap 275 positioned between end face 206 of split ring162 and shoulder 248 of hub 164. Accordingly, as cap 160 and hub 164 arepressed together, end well 200 of cap 160 produces a positivecompression force against split ring 162. In turn, split ring 162produces a positive compression force against proximal flange 166 asdiscussed above. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 9, an adhesive273 is applied between the interior surface 196 of cap 160 and exteriorsurface 220 of hub 164 so as to rigidly secure cap 160 to hub 164.

The preferred adhesive for connecting cap 160 to hub 164 is aconventional ultraviolet adhesive. After hub 164 is received withinrecess 198 of cap 160, a small amount of adhesive 273 is positioned atdistal end 194 of cap 160 at the intersection of cap 160 and hub 164.Adhesive 273 then wicks around hub 164 and between interior surface 196of cap 160 and exterior surface 224 of hub 164. Ultraviolet light isthen directed onto rotatable connector 22 which then immediately setsadhesive 273. Of course, alternative types of adhesives can also beused. Once cap 160 is secured in place, split ring 162 is continuallyurged against proximal flange 168 so as to maintain the airless sealbetween passage 56 of body 18 and transfer duct 250 of hub 164.Furthermore, the attachment of cap 160 to hub 164 prevents separation ofbody 18 and hub 164 but allows both hub 164 and cap 160 to annularlyrotate relative to body 18.

During rotation of hub 164 relative to body 18, split ring 162 and sealring 268 typically rotate with hub 164. Slip surfaces are thus formedbetween distal end face 206 of split ring 162 and proximal sidewall 168of proximal flange 166 and between distal sidewall 178 of distal flange174 and seal ring 268. The ease at which hub 164 rotates relative tobody 18 can thus be varied by the material used for split ring 167 andseal ring 268.

Split ring 162 is preferably made from a material having a lowcoefficient of friction such as polytetrafluoroethylene so as to alloweasy and smooth rotation of hub 164 relative to body 18. Split ring 162can alternatively be made of materials having different coefficients offriction such as acetal plastic. Seal ring 268 is preferably made fromsilicone. Alternatively, seal ring 268 can be made of other materialshaving varied coefficients of friction. By way of example and not bylimitation, seal ring 268 can be made from natural rubber, ethylenepropylene, and fluorosilicone.

The ease at which hub 164 rotates relative to body 18 is also a functionof the amount of force used in applying cap 160 onto hub 164. That is,by increasing the force in pressing cap 160 and hub 164 together, thefriction between the above discussed slip surfaces is also increased,thereby making it more difficult to rotate 164 relative to body 18.

The present invention also provides means for connecting distal end 20of tubular body 18 to a medical device, such as introducer 12, used influid communication with the body of patient 10. By way of example andnot by limitation, the means for connecting comprises rotatableconnector 22, as disclosed above, and includes all of the alternativeembodiments as discussed therewith.

The attachment of split ring 162 onto body 18 proximal of retainingflange 158 is preferably accomplished through the use of a positioningapparatus 274 as shown in FIG. 10. Positioning apparatus 274 includes arigid, substantially cylindrical shaft 276 having a top end 278 and abottom end 280. Shaft 276 is shown as comprising a retaining shaft 282positioned at top end 278 and having an outer diameter smaller than theinner diameter of split ring 162. An expansion shaft 284 is positionedat bottom end 280 and has an outer diameter larger than the innerdiameter of split ring 162. Finally, a frustoconical transition shaft286 extends between retaining shaft 282 and expansion shaft 280.

Positioning apparatus 274 further comprises a housing 288 having anexterior surface 290 extending between a top end 292 and a bottom end294. Positioned at top end 292 is a top end face 293 and positioned atbottom end 294 is a bottom end face 295. Housing 288 further includes aninterior surface 296 defining a passageway 298 extending therethrough.Interior surface 296 defines a plurality of differently configuredsections. Positioned at top end 292 of housing 288 is a cylindricalfirst surface 306 having an inner diameter substantially equal to theouter diameter of split ring 162 and extending between a first end 297and a second end 299. Near top end 292, first surface 306 graduallyradially expands outward so as to form an enlarged receiving mouth 308at top end face 293.

A cylindrical second surface 302 is aligned with and positioned adjacentto second end 299 of first surface 306. Second surface 302 has an innerdiameter larger than the inner diameter of first surface 306. Extendingbetween first surface 306 at second end 299 and second surface 302 is anannular shoulder 305. A cylindrical third surface 300 is positioned atbottom end 294 of housing 288. Third surface 300 has an inner diametersubstantially equal to the outer diameter of split ring 162. Afrustoconical constriction surface 304 extends between second surface302 and third surface 300.

To attach split ring 162 onto body 18, initially bottom end 280 of shaft276 is received within cylindrical first surface 306 and top end 278 ofshaft 276 is received within opening 212 of a plurality of split rings162. The split rings 162 thus encircle shaft 276 as shown in FIG. 10.

The present invention provides means for urging split ring 162 receivedon retaining shaft 282 against transition shaft 286 of shaft 276. By wayof example and not by limitation, a weight 307 is provided having aninterior surface 308 defining a channel 310 longitudinally extendingtherethrough. Channel 310 has an inside diameter larger than the outerdiameter of retaining shaft 282 but smaller than the outer diameter ofsplit ring 162. Top end 271 of retaining shaft 282 is received withinchannel 310 so that weight 307 encircles retaining shaft 282.

Weight 307 provides a gravitational force that pushes split rings 162down the length of retaining shaft 282 and towards transition shaft 286.Split rings 162, however, are held in place by the fact that a splitring 322 at bottom end 280 is unable to expand over transition shaft 286because interior surface 296 of cylindrical first surface 306 iscomparable to the outside diameter of split rings 322. Weight 307 alsohas an outer diameter which can either be larger than or smaller thanthe inner diameter of first surface 306. Of course, other types ofmechanical or manual forces could be applied to split rings 162 to pushsplit rings 162 toward transition shaft 286.

Means are also provided for moving housing 290 relative to shaft 276.Preferrably, this is acomplished between a first position and a secondposition. By way of example and not by limitation, housing 288 is shownhaving a plurality of threads 312 positioned on exterior surface 290. Aclamp 314 having complementary threads 316 mechanically engages housing288 by thread connection between threads 312 on housing 288 and threads316 on clamp 314. Clamp 314 can then be attached to a piston or anyother kind of mechanical or manual device which permits housing 288 tomove along a longitudinal access of shaft 276. In the preferredembodiment, shaft 276 is held stationary by being clamped at top end278.

As best shown in FIG. 13, expansion shaft 284 also includes an interiorsurface 318 defining a recess 320. Recess 320 is opened at bottom endface 324 of expansion shaft 284 and is configured to receive retainingflange 158 positioned on distal end 20 of body 18. Interior surface 318is shown as comprising a substantially cylindrical first portion 326positioned at bottom end face 324 of expansion shaft 284. Asubstantially cylindrical second portion 328 is axially aligned withfirst portion 326 and extends towards top end 278 of shaft 276. Firstportion 326 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter ofretaining flange 158. Second portion 328 has an inner diameter smallerthan the outer diameter of retaining flange 158. Accordingly, as distalend 20 of tubular body 18 is advanced within recess 320, distal flange174 of retaining flange 158 becomes biased against an annular shoulder330 extending between first portion 326 and second portion 328.

With distal end 20 of body 18 disposed within recess 320, housing 288begins moving in the direction of arrow A as shown in FIG. 11. At thestage shown in FIG. 11, a sufficient portion of transition shaft 286 ofshaft 276 is extending out of cylindrical first surface 306 of housing288 to cause first split ring 322, under the force of weight 307, topress out of cylindrical first surface 306 and expand over transitionshaft 286 into cylindrical second surface 302 of housing 288.

Once split ring 322 is positioned within cylindrical second surface 302,housing 288 begins moving in the direction of arrow B as shown in FIG.12. By so doing, first split ring 322 is engaged by shoulder 305 so asto expand and pass over expansion shaft 284. After first split ring 322completely passes over expansion shaft 284 so as to encircle body 18proximal of retaining flange 158, split ring 322 partiallyself-constricts around body 18 so as to be aligned with bottom end face324 of expansion shaft 284.

Depicted in FIG. 13, housing 288 then begins to travel in the directionof arrow A. As housing 288 does so, bottom end face 324, and at timesproximal flange 166, holds split ring 322 in position while constrictionsurface 304 and third surface 300 of housing 288 radially inwardlycompress first split ring 322 so as to snugly fit around body 18 asshown in FIG. 14. Distal end 20 of body 18 having first split ring 322encircling body 18 proximal of retaining flange 158 can then be removedfrom recess 320 for subsequent attachment of a different split ring to adifferent body.

In an alternative embodiment, cylindrical third surface 300, cylindricalsecond surface 302, and constriction surface 304 can be removed frompassage 298. Accordingly, in this embodiment passageway 298 exclusivelydefines cylindrical first surface 306 extending from top end 292 tobottom end 294 of housing 288. During operation, bottom end face 295, asshown in FIG. 11, acts like shoulder 305 to position split ring 322around body 18 as discussed above. In this embodiment, however, splitring 322 is not subsequently compressed around body 18 by housing 288.Of course, alternative embodiments can be used to compress split ring322 around body 18.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States LettersPatent is:
 1. A method for advancing a flange having an outer diameterand positioned on an elongated body through a passage in an expandablesplit ring, the passage in the split ring having an inner diametersmaller than the outer diameter of the flange, the split ring alsohaving an outer diameter, the method comprising the steps of:(a)receiving the split ring onto a rigid, substantially cylindrical shafthaving a top end and an opposing bottom end, said shaft furthercomprising:(i) a receiving shaft positioned at said top end and havingan outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the split ring;(ii) an expansion shaft positioned at said bottom end and having anouter diameter larger than the inner diameter of the split ring, saidexpansion shaft also having an interior surface defining a recess sizedto receive the flange on the elongated body; and (iii) a frustoconicaltransition shaft extending from said receiving shaft to said expansionshaft; (b) positioning a portion of said receiving shaft having thesplit ring received thereon within a passageway defined by an interiorsurface longitudinally extending through a housing, said passagewayhaving an inner diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter ofthe split ring, said housing having a top end and an opposing bottom endwith an end face positioned at said bottom end; (c) pressing the splitring against said transition shaft within said passageway to produce aradial expansion force on said split ring against said interior surfaceof said passageway; (d) moving said housing relative to said shaft in afirst direction until the split ring exits said passageway at saidbottom end of said housing, said expansion force on the split ringcausing the split ring to radially, outwardly expand around saidtransition shaft so that the split ring is aligned with said end face ofsaid housing; (e) inserting the flange on the elongated body within saidrecess of said expansion shaft; and (f) sliding said housing relative tosaid shaft in a second direction to cause said end face to press thesplit ring over said expansion shaft having the flange received thereinand onto the elongated body.
 2. A method as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid receiving step further comprises disposing a plurality of splitrings onto said receiving shaft.
 3. A method as recited in claim 2,wherein said pressing step further comprises applying weight to said topend of said shaft so that said weight transfers a force through saidplurality of split rings.
 4. A method as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid pressing step further comprises applying weight to said top end ofsaid shaft through a channel in a weight so that said weight transfers aforce to the split ring.
 5. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein saidinserting step is performed before said moving step.
 6. A method asrecited in claim 1, wherein said receiving step is performed after saidshaft is positioned within said passageway of said housing.
 7. A methodfor advancing a flange having an outer diameter and positioned on anelongated body through a passage in an expandable split ring, thepassage in the split ring having an inner diameter smaller than theouter diameter of the flange, the split ring also having an outerdiameter, the method comprising the steps of:(a) obtaining a rigid,substantially cylindrical shaft having a top end and an opposing bottomend, said shaft further comprising:(i) a receiving shaft positioned atsaid top end and having an outer diameter smaller than the innerdiameter of the split ring; (ii) an expansion shaft positioned at saidbottom end and having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameterof the split ring, said expansion shaft also having an interior surfacedefining a recess sized to receive the flange on the elongated body; and(iii) a frustoconical transition shaft extending from said receivingshaft to said expansion shaft; (b) positioning at least a portion ofsaid receiving shaft and said transition shaft within a passagewaydefined by an interior surface longitudinally extending through ahousing, said housing having a top end and an opposing bottom end, saidinterior surface of said housing comprising:(i) a substantiallycylindrical first surface positioned at said top end and having an innerdiameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the split ring;(ii) a frustoconical constriction surface positioned at said bottom endof said housing, said constriction surface having an enlarged first endpositioned adjacent to said first surface and having an inner diameterlarger than said inner diameter of said first surface, said constrictionsurface also having a reduced second end opposite said first end, saidsecond end having an inner diameter smaller than said inner diameter ofsaid first end; and (iii) an annular shoulder extending between saidfirst end of said constriction surface and said first surface; (c)receiving the split ring onto said receiving shaft positioned withinsaid passageway defined by said first surface; (d) pressing the splitring against said transition shaft positioned within said passagewaydefined by said first surface to produce a radial expansion force onsaid split ring against said first surface; (e) moving said housingrelative to said shaft in a first direction until the split ring exitssaid passageway defined by said first surface and enters said first endof said constriction surface, said expansion force on the split ringcausing the split ring to radially, outwardly expand around saidtransition shaft so that the split ring is biased against said annularshoulder; (f) inserting the flange on the elongated body within saidrecess of said expansion shaft; (g) sliding said housing relative tosaid shaft in a second direction to cause said shoulder to press thesplit ring over said expansion shaft having the flange received thereinand onto the elongated body, the split ring partially self-constrictingso as to be biased below said bottom end of said expansion shaft; and(h) advancing said housing relative to said shaft in said firstdirection to cause said constriction surface to compress said split ringaround said elongated body.
 8. A method as recited in claim 7, whereinthe method further comprises removing the flange on the elongated bodyfrom within said recess of said expansion shaft, said elongated bodyhaving the split ring positioned thereon.
 9. A method as recited inclaim 7, wherein the step of receiving the split ring onto saidreceiving shaft is performed prior to said receiving shaft beingpositioned within said passageway of said housing.
 10. A method asrecited in claim 7, wherein the step of inserting the flange isperformed prior to the step of moving said housing relative to saidshaft.
 11. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein said receiving stepfurther comprises disposing a plurality of split rings on said receivingshaft.
 12. A method as recited in claim 11, wherein said pressing stepfurther comprises receiving said top end of said shaft through a channelin a weight so that said weight transfers a force through said pluralityof split rings.
 13. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein saidpositioning step further comprises said interior surface of said housingcomprising a substantially cylindrical second surface extending betweensaid first surface and said first end of said constriction surface, saidsecond surface having an inner diameter substantially equal to saidinner diameter of said constriction surface at said first end.
 14. Amethod as recited in claim 7, wherein said positioning step furthercomprises said interior surface of said housing comprising asubstantially cylindrical third surface extending from said second endof said constriction surface, said third surface having an innerdiameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the split ring.15. A method as recited in claim 7, wherein said receiving stepcomprises receiving said top end of said shaft through the opening ofthe split ring.
 16. A method for advancing a flange having an outerdiameter and positioned on a tubular body through a passage in anexpandable split ring, the passage in the split ring having an innerdiameter smaller than the outer diameter of the flange, the split ringalso having an outer diameter, the method comprising the steps of:(a)receiving the split ring onto a rigid, substantially cylindrical shafthaving a top end and an opposing bottom end, said shaft furthercomprising:(i) a receiving shaft positioned at said top end and havingan outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the split ring;(ii) an expansion shaft positioned at said bottom end and having anouter diameter larger than the inner diameter of the split ring, saidexpansion shaft also having a bottom end face and an interior surfacedefining a recess opened at said bottom end face and sized to receivethe flange on the elongated body; and (iii) a frustoconical transitionshaft extending from said receiving shaft to said expansion shaft; (b)positioning a portion of said receiving shaft having the split ringreceived thereon within a passageway defined by an interior surfacelongitudinally extending through a housing, said housing having a topend and an opposing bottom end, said interior surface of said housingcomprising:(i) a substantially cylindrical first surface positioned atsaid top end and extending between a first end and a second end, saidfirst surface having an inner diameter approximately equal to the outerdiameter of the split ring; (ii) a substantially cylindrical secondsurface positioned adjacent to said second end of said first surface andhaving an inner diameter larger than said inner diameter of said firstsurface; (iii) an annular shoulder extending between said second end ofsaid first surface and said second surface; (iv) a substantiallycylindrical third surface positioned at said bottom end of said housingand having an inner diameter substantially equal to the outer diameterof the split ring; and (v) a frustoconical constriction surfaceextending between said second surface and said third surface; (c)pressing the split ring against said transition shaft within saidpassageway to produce a radial expansion force on said split ringagainst said first surface; (d) moving said housing relative to saidshaft in a first direction until the split ring exits said passagewaydefined by said first surface and enters said passageway defined by saidsecond surface, said expansion force on the split ring causing the splitring to radially, outwardly expand around said transition shaft so thatthe split ring is aligned with said annular shoulder; (e) inserting theflange on the tubular body within said recess of said expansion shaft;(f) sliding said housing relative to said shaft in a second direction tocause said shoulder to press the split ring over said expansion shafthaving the flange received therein and onto the tubular body, the splitring partially self-constricting so as to be biased against said bottomend face of said expansion shaft; and (g) advancing said housingrelative to said shaft in said first direction to cause saidconstriction surface and said third surface to compress said split ringaround said tubular body.
 17. A method as recited in claim 16, whereinsaid receiving step further comprises receiving said top end of saidshaft through the passage in the split ring.
 18. A method as recited inclaim 16, wherein said receiving step further comprises disposing aplurality of split rings on said receiving shaft.
 19. A method asrecited in claim 18, wherein said pressing step further comprisesreceiving said top end of said shaft through a channel in a weight sothat said weight transfers a force through said plurality of splitrings.
 20. A method as recited in claim 16, wherein said pressing stepfurther comprises receiving said top end of said shaft through a channelin a weight so that the weight transfers a force to the split ring. 21.A method as recited in claim 16, wherein the method further comprisesremoving the flange on the tubular body from within said recess of saidexpansion shaft, the split ring encircling the tubular body.